Berhampur, Feb. 18: Twenty three people were arrested for allegedly beating up a 32-year-old man and forcing him to eat human excreta in Mayangi village under Sorada police station jurisdiction in Ganjam.

The villagers accused the victim, Mitu Swain, of practising witchcraft.

"We have arrested 23 people, including the main accused Babu Swain, who is also the victim's cousin," said inspector in charge of Sorada police station Santosh Jena.

In his complaint, Mitu told the police that the villagers became furious after a tantrik from Nayagarh accused him of practising black magic and held him responsible for at least three deaths, including that of the brother of the key accused.

"The irate villagers overpowered me and beat me up. They also forced me to eat human excreta," Mitu alleged in his FIR.

Mitu was released after the police reached the village. "We tried to persuade the villagers, who were not willing to understand the situation. The tantrik, who came from Nayagarh, managed to escape. We then arrested 23 villagers on the basis of the FIR lodged by Mitu. Other villagers staged a protest demanding the release of the 23 accused," Jena said.

Mitu is undergoing treatment at a hospital. Though tension prevails in the village, the situation is under control, police sources said.

The cops said Babu had attacked Mitu a few days after the death of his younger brother Laxman, who died of electrocution. Babu held Mitu responsible for the death. Later, Babu managed to convince the village committee that Mitu was practising witchcraft and was responsible for the death of Laxman and two other villagers.